In a recent development, Tanzanian political parties are expressing discontent with proposed changes to electoral laws, asserting that these alterations would grant the president increased authority in shaping the electoral commission. The three bills in question, tabled in parliament on November 10, respond to opposition pressure for an independent electoral system ahead of the 2024 local government elections and subsequent presidential and parliamentary polls.

Parliamentary debate on these bills is now scheduled for February 2024, pending examination by a special House committee that will involve public participation. However, with civic polls slated for October of the same year, there remains a mere eight months for the new legislation to pass and become operational. The bills, including the National Electoral Commission (Nec) Bill, Political Parties Affairs Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Elections Bill, all dated 2023, are at the center of this political storm.

Critics have emerged, highlighting what they perceive as contradictions within the Nec Bill. While it claims the commission will be an “independent, autonomous organ whose decisions will not be interfered with,” certain clauses raise eyebrows by indicating that the president will ultimately have the final say in admitting commission members.

As tensions rise and the political landscape undergoes significant shifts, the nation awaits the outcome of the parliamentary debate in February 2024, mindful of the tight timeline for implementing crucial electoral reforms before the 2024 elections kick off.